First National Forum for the Prevention of Animal Abuse: a comprehensive approach tothe prevention of social violence (FONAPREMA)

Abstract

This document presents the proceedings of the 1st State Forum for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (FONAPREMA), held in San Luis Potosí in October 2025. The event brought together experts from technical, social, and legal fields to address animal cruelty as a cross-cutting phenomenon and a predictive indicator of social violence. In the social sphere, the correlation between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence is highlighted; for instance, 71% of domestic violence victims report prior aggression against their pets. Under the "One Health" and "One Welfare" frameworks, it is argued that investing in animal health prevents negative externalities in public health and community safety. Additionally, the therapeutic benefits of human-animal interaction are analyzed, particularly among youth. In the legal arena, the importance of public reporting and the proper integration of investigation files is underscored. Experts emphasize that animals are recognized as sentient beings and that cruelty must be prosecuted to curb the escalation of criminal violence. Restorative justice is proposed as a mechanism to repair harm through awareness and rehabilitation, moving beyond punitive punishment. Regarding the technical area, the veterinarian is positioned as a first responder capable of detecting signs of abuse during consultation. Scientific protocols, such as the "Five Domains" model, are detailed for conducting objective clinical assessments that serve as expert forensic evidence. This forum represented a first attempt in the State to achieve safe communities.